GFWC Ossoli Circle 
Founded in 1885 and the Clubhouse was built in 1933
and on National Register of  Historic Places 

2511 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 10892
Knoxville, Tennessee 37939-0892

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a reservation for lunch.

Pay for Monday lunch
Buy a punch card

 Buy your ticket to White Linen Luncheon on March 30, 2026 at 10:00 am. The Easter Parade will include the latest spring fashions from The Lily Pad Boutique.  
Click here for a link to  purchase your ticket online.

Do not forget to order your Honey Baked Ham, smoked or roasted turkey, and all of the side dishes. To order, and to support Ossoli Circle go to:
https://www.honeybaked.com/fundraising/ossoli_in_action

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March 5 “Friends of the Smokies”  Author Presentation:  Saving our National Parks- Then & Now 5:30-7:30 RSVP by Feb 24 to hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org

March 13 Ossoli Circle volunteers host the Wesley House “Grannies” for lunch and Bingo!

March 14- Smoky Mtn District Spring Meeting
10:00 am – Tellico Village Yacht Club – $30.00, Register by February 23

March 22 – Reception for Women’s History Month – 2:00pm-4:00 pm at Ossoli Circle Club House

March 30 – White Linen Luncheon -10:00 am

April 10 & 11 GFWC of TN Spring Conference – Paris Landing  – stay tuned for more information.

 

 

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What is GFWC Ossoli Circle?

GFWC Ossoli Circle is a Woman’s Club in Knoxville dedicated to education and service.  We meet each Monday at our Clubhouse, which is on the historic register.  Founded in 1885 as a literary society, the club is a charter member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Service is Our Game !

Ossoli Circle strives to   make a positive difference in the greater Knoxville community  through both service projects and donations from fundraising activities. In 2024, 36 area organizations benefited from  5853 service hours by Ossoli members.

Presentations and Projects

Presentation/projects are usually from one the following  areas:  Arts and Culture, Environment, Education, Health and Wellness, Advocates for Children, Civic Engagement, Domestic Violence. Click here to view the calendar with upcoming events.  

Looking for an organization devoted to improving community and advocating for women? Consider joining GFWC Ossoli Circle.

Learn More
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Nominate and Donate NOW!

Click on the above button to nominate a special woman who has made a meaningful impact on your life. She may be a friend, mentor, family member, or a woman from history whose influence continues to inspire you.

This will take you  to  the nomination form and a payment link for your donation. If you have questions, contact us at info@gfwcossolicircle.org

“Sponsors and honorees are invited to attend a reception celebrating Women’s History Month at the Ossoli Circle Clubhouse, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2–4 PM.”

GFWC Ossoli Circle is pleased to announce that, for the first time, we will host a Women’s History Month Community Recognition Initiative in partnership with Knox County Friends of the Library.

 

Founded in 1885 as a literary circle, Ossoli Circle has a long-standing commitment to education, literacy, and access to books. This new initiative is designed to engage the community in recognizing and honoring women who have made a meaningful difference in an individual’s life, career, community, or our state. Community members are invited to honor a special woman with a donation made in her name.

Donations will benefit Friends of the Library, supporting literacy, education, and lifelong learning—cornerstones of Ossoli Circle’s mission since its founding as a literary club in 1885. The selection of Friends of the Library as the beneficiary of this initiative strongly reflects our shared commitment to education and literacy.

Ossoli Circle’s dedication to education extends well beyond this initiative. Our volunteer Librarian coordinates the collection of gently used books donated by members and distributes them to nonprofit organizations. This year alone, members donated 350 hardback and 175 paperback books to the Knox County Library. In addition, Ossoli Circle contributed funds to address book needs at Lenoir City Elementary School and purchased book series designed to engage elementary students and encourage reading at Dogwood Elementary School.

As part of the Women’s History Month initiative, donations will be accepted at four levels:  a commemorative $140 level in recognition of all women and Ossoli Circle’s 140 years of service, $100, $50, and $20 All women honored, along with their sponsors, will be recognized at a reception held at the historic Ossoli Circle Clubhouse on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The initiative will be promoted through outreach to community partners and women’s organizations, participation in the Dogwood Arts Home and Garden Show, and educational displays highlighting Women’s History Month.

In addition, Ossoli Circle is planning student-focused activities to increase awareness of women’s contributions to history. These include a coloring contest for students in grades 1–3 and an essay contest for upper elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Pirates Invade GFWC Ossoli Circle Searching for Treasure!

The Treasure Island Charity Party transformed the Ossoli Circle Clubhouse into an island paradise, complete with anchors on the tables, a smorgasbord to be remembered, lively games, and fun photo opportunities. Members even “walked the plank” for a chance to win a cake, and a drawing was held for a small treasure chest filled with jewels—and even some cash—for one lucky winner.

All proceeds from the party support the Ossoli in Action Committee and directly benefit the charities selected by Ossoli Circle for the year. Each year, the Ossoli Board of Directors carefully evaluates requests from community partners and determines the organizations to be supported.

Ossoli Circle typically supports approximately 30 charities annually through donations of goods, financial assistance, and dedicated service hours—continuing its long-standing commitment to meeting community needs.

 

 

GFWC Ossoli Circle Celebrates 140th Anniversary at Founder’s Day

The program opened with a warm welcome from Lizzie Crozier French, portrayed in character to greet attendees and thanked them for continuing her dream of educating and empowering women. She reflected on the early years of Ossoli and the determination that shaped its beginning.

Founded on November 20, 1885, by Lizzie Crozier French, Ossoli Circle began as a literary club modeled after the Sorosis Club. She invited 25 women to gather for a Friday afternoon meeting with the purpose of expanding knowledge and strengthening the role of women in the community. More than a century later, Ossoli Circle remains committed to those original goals. The organization continues to unite its members for charitable purposes, preserve its historic clubhouse, and empower women to reach their full potential. Through its programs and community initiatives, Ossoli Circle provides meaningful, educational, and service-focused opportunities that enrich both members and the broader community.

This year’s Founder’s Day theme, “Service Through the Years,” highlighted the club’s long history of resilience and commitment. Former Presidents Janie Bitner and Wanda Taylor recounted the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic and how Ossoli Circle continued to function when many similar organizations were forced to close their doors.

Guest speaker Catey McClary, President and CEO of the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, presented President Coley’s initiative to support local educators. The project provides “Teacher Kits” that accompany the newly developed Playgrounds as Classrooms Playbook. These kits will offer teachers basic, nonconsumable supplies needed to implement hands-on, nature-based learning activities.

Members then enjoyed a delightful meal reminiscent of what the founders themselves might have served in 1885. Special thanks go to Sherry Hillis, FÊTE Day Food Chair, and Terri Bules, Decorations Chair, for transforming the clubhouse into an atmosphere worthy of Ossoli’s earliest days.

The 140th Anniversary Founder’s Day celebration beautifully honored the past while looking forward to the future—continuing the enduring legacy of service, learning, and empowerment that has defined Ossoli Circle for generations.

President's Project
2025-2026

I am proud to announce my President’s Project: supporting “Friends of the Smokies,” the fundraising arm of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park, a treasured local landmark and the most visited national park in the United States, benefits greatly from the work of this nonprofit.

Recently, our members contributed to the preparation of 650 party favors for their Barn Party, one of three major fundraising events. We are also committed to helping with the Evergreen Ball. But our support does not end there. We are forming a meaningful partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, an educational center within the park.

Tremont has developed an academic training guide titled “Playgrounds as Classrooms Playbook” for local teachers who participate in weekend workshops. These workshops emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking, and environmental literacy. However, a critical need exists there are currently no classroom to accompany the Playbook.

Ossoli Circle is stepping up to fill that gap. We will provide kits, each containing the materials needed for teachers to implement the Playbook’s lessons. Most of these educators come from Knox County and bring their students to Tremont for 3–5-day educational trips. Our support ensures they can make the most of this unique opportunity.

This project is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of environmental education and community engagement. By empowering teachers and enriching student experiences, we strengthen the bond between education and nature.

Projects and Programs on Parade

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The Legacy of Lizzie Crozier French is alive and well in Knoxville , Tennessee today.

The Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial is located at Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.

Historic Marker honoring Lizzie Crozier French placed at Ossoli Circle Clubhouse. 

Updated on February 10, 2026